Bicycle Network Victoria: Great Escapade New Zealand

Gav and Jude's pre-Great Escapade ride

Just had to say what a fantastic day we had.  What an absolutely great crew, friendly, helpful, encouraging and fun!

I was quite nervous about going on this ride but the welcome we received was great and they soon had everyone at ease.  I have been worried about the Great Escapade in that have we bitten off more than we can chew, well as much as I am still nervous I am not worried as I know we are going to be so well looked after and the fun factor is going to be huge.

I really have to say a massive thank you WARBYs (who I have now advised are my best friends whether they want to be or not!), John. Paul and the team.  They happily answered all questions and just chatted.  We gained so much from them, things that will be invaluable to us on the Great Escapade, our preparation for it and our biking in general. 

Their encouragement was fantastic.  I was lagging at the end and I was trying to catch a group in front of me but just couldn’t.  I just didn’t have it in me.  Then Paul comes up behind me and gives me a little push and says ‘come on we will catch that group ahead’ and away we went.  Now I know it was all psychological but it was amazing.  We caught them up and so off went Paul and I passed the group and it was like an injection of energy and ability.  It may appear only a small thing to some people but it was amazing what it did for me.  So a massive thanks to Paul.

We made new friends and exchanged phone numbers so we can go riding together.  We sincerely thank everyone for giving up their time to take us on the ride!  It was invaluable to us! 

Cheers Jude & Gav

Who are the WARBYs?

"We, the WARBY team, are a bunch of Volunteers who love cycling and have had a lot of experience in independent touring and Great Rides. We want others to enjoy cycling as much as we do!

"We're called the WARBY team because We Are Right Behind You, in your quest to participate in and enjoy cycling! The WARBY team will provide a mentoring role via mail, email and/or telephone to help you prepare for and enjoy the 2009 Great Escapade.

"We will also assist you, mechanically, physically and/or emotionally, on the road during the 2009 Great Escapade (yes, we’ll be doing the ride with you). So come and say hi any time during the Ride."

About the WARBY Team

A fantastic inclusion to the 2009 Great Escapade is the We Are Right Behind You (WARBY) Team.

These enthusiastic Volunteers will be on a bike with you the entire way to help you in your quest to ride the journey.

WARBY riders will be available before the Ride to help you prepare yourself, and give invaluable advice on choosing bike equipment to suit you needs.

On the Ride, the WARBY Team will be there every step of the way, helping participants on the road with bike tips, mechanical skills, route knowledge and minor first aid. Their help may be as simple as providing some spare food or water or being a shoulder to lean on.

Remember though that it's YOUR responsibility to be ready for the Ride, and that WARBY are there as a support service for when things get tough. The WARBY Team will be the first to tell you that it is essential that you carry waterproof jackets, spare food, puncture kits etc. with you whilst on your bike.

So find comfort in the fact that WARBY are there to assist, should you find yourself needing a helping hand on the route of the 2009 Great Escapade. After all, a safe and enjoyable event for all riders is what WARBY is all about!

WARBY Team's tips

These tips have been formulated by the WARBY Team to assist new and experienced riders to enjoy their cycling.

Things to get you started:

• If you have not already, think about joining Bicycle Network Victoria as a Member.
• Buy or obtain the bike you intend to use on the 2009 Great Escapade.
• Seek advice from your local bikeshop or the WARBY Team about what additional equipment to consider using.
• Make sure your bike seat is comfortable and at the correct height. Consider using some form of toe clips.
• Consider purchasing a rear rack and a set of panniers (i.e. carry bags) to carry all your extras during the Ride (e.g. raincoat, UV block, camera, spare food, broad brimmed hat, jumper, spare tube that fits your tyres/wheels, puncture repair kit, pump (set to your valves), riding gloves/warm gloves, tool-kit, sunglasses, chain lubricant, a good quality lock).
• Have your drivers licence number engraved under the bottom bracket (the part of the frame where the axle that holds the pedal-arms or cranks goes through).
• Organise your riding clothing and equipment.
• Make sure you have riding gloves and a helmet that is the correct size and adjusted properly.
• Have your bike serviced, and don't forget to pump up the tyres.

During September 2008

• Go for a short ride every day, even if it's only 1–5km. Perhaps ride to the shops.
• Once/twice a week, ride at least 20–30km to a set destination (e.g.a friend's house or your favourite coffee shop) and ride home again.

During October 2008

• Go for a short ride every day, even if it's 1–5km. Perhaps ride to the shops.
• Once/twice a week, ride at least 30–40km to a set destination (e.g. the supermarket or a distant park) and ride home again. Include some hills.

During November 2008

• Once/twice a week, ride at least 40–50km to a set destination (e.g.surprise a relative by visiting for the first time in years) and ride home again. Include more hills

During December 2008 and January 2009

• Once/twice a week ride at least 50–60km to a set destination (e.g. perhaps use Public Transport, go to an outer station and do a loop ride).
• Keep including lots of hills.

During February 2009

• Preferably on two consecutive days, ride at least 60–70km to a set destination (e.g. all the above ideas). Heaps of hills.
• Have your bike serviced.
• Check and re-check your luggage bag for the 2008 Great Escapade. Remember it must be less than 20kg. It will be much easier for you and the Volunteers to lift/carry if it's less than 15kg.
• When packing, keep in mind the possibility of some very cool weather.

On the 2009 Great Escapade

• Eat before you're hungry and drink (lots) before you're thirsty.
• Keep two water bottles on the bike. You may be able to help someone else.
• Wear cycling knicks with a chamois (don't wear anything underneath).
• Pump up your tyres.
• Take your raincoat with you every day. Even if it doesn't rain, it could be handy to keep you warm.
• Don't wear a backpack. Consider fitting a rear rack and panniers (i.e. carry bags) to carry your bits and pieces.
• Ride in single file on double lines and no more than two abreast when it is really safe to do so.
• Be predictable in your riding pattern.
• Use appropriate gears and cadence (i.e. pedalling speed) to suit the gradient and conditions. When approaching a hill, change to an appropriate gear beforehand.
• Dress in several layers of clothing, rather than one thick layer.
• Ride at your pace – not someone else's.
• There is no lost honour in stopping half way up a hill, but get right off the road when you do.
• Leave camp early to allow enough time to enjoy the day (and get a good camp site and a hot shower).
• Enjoy all the experiences (good and bad) a Great Ride can bring!

If you're bringing a child

• Make sure the bike fits the child, not the child fits the bike. (Often children's seats are too low.)

• Keep your child in front of you; being left behind can be demoralising.
• Monitor your child's food/fluid intake. Remember: eat before you're hungry and drink lots before you're thirsty. Carry spare food/fluid for your child.
• Set out early and have regular rests; make it fun, not a chore. Perhaps carry some 'surprises' (e.g. your child's favourite food, drink, magazine, toy).
• Ensure your child has his/her own spare tube, repair kit, pump and coat if they are riding a separate bicycle.
• Do not allow your child to wear a back-pack (a small bum bag is fine).
• Be very aware of good skin/body protection (children can become hypothermic or hyperthermic very quickly).
• Encourage phone/mail contact with parents/siblings/relatives who are not on the Ride.
• Seek out playgrounds, other family groups or something of interest along the route.
• Be encouraging and positive.
• Cycle safely, cycle happily, cycle often.